Now we know why John Edwards likes to fuss with his hair. When you pay $400 for each trim, it had better look good. This is one of those stories that no candidate wants out there. It runs about as counter to the working-class, I'm-one-of-you rhetoric that defines the Iowa primary as you can get. Worse for Edwards, his campaign picked up the bill for two of the $400 Beverly Hills stylings. Hey, you're rich like Edwards (or any other current candidate for president) and you want to blow a bunch of money on a facial or a pedicure, go for it! But what Edwards supporter is going to be happy to learn that the exorbitant tab for the snip-snip came from the campaign coffers?
Referring to a picture of Edwards published Tuesday in the Los Angeles Times, Torrenueva [Edwards' barber] said: "That's my cut." The stylist said he couldn't vouch for the source of Edwards' haircuts in other photos. One reason the cost of the cut was so steep even by Beverly Hills standards is that Torrenueva went to Edwards rather than the candidate coming into the stylist's salon a block off Rodeo Drive.Don't get me wrong, I like John Edwards quite a bit as a candidate, but I have a suggestion on the hair matter. Go to a corner barbershop in Iowa or New Hampshire the next time you need a trim. Talk local politics with the people in the waiting room, make a friend or two, pay the $10 or $12 bill, and leave a nice five dollar tip. Kill two birds -- substance and style -- with one inexpensive stone.
Previously on 'The Stump':
· What Is Edwards' Real Position on the War?
· John Edwards Beats Expectations
Reader Comments ( Page 7 of 8)
91. If he's vain enough to spend $ 400 on a haircut once, he is too vain to be a Political leader off others and has no sence. If he does it twice he is too stupid to be President. I am pretty sure he could have gotten an "OK" haircut for about $ 350. Sheesh...
Suds000000 at 10:36AM on Apr 19th 2007
92. Although it's absolutely absurd, no more absurd than John Edwards himself, this video is hilarious. The internet just might help save this country from the GW's of the future, I can only hope enough people see these guys as they really are; leaches on the backs of the American working man and woman.
Anthony Quartapella at 10:56AM on Apr 19th 2007
93. I do not think these canidates should be spending so much for trival things as haircuts,but I also dont think they should be judged by that.They should be judged by weather or not you think they can do the job.
Peechz at 7:43PM on Apr 20th 2007
94. I think Edward's true colors are shining brightly! A $400 haircut is absurd and taking it from contributions is an example of his character. First, it was taking his wife on the campaign trail in what could very easily be her last years with her children. Somehow he thought winning the presidency was more important than taking some time off and spending time with his wife and children and making lasting memories serving his family rather than wanting to "serve" the USA. Does he think he is the only one that could do it right? He is selfish and full of pride. I believe that he will be as frivilous with my/our money as he was with the donated money. Just what we need....MORE DEBT! He lacks the character to hold such an office.
Marie at 3:47AM on Apr 21st 2007
95. he just lost my vote, how vain! How about getting back to politics and the IMPORTANT issues this county is facing...hair and makeup for a television appearance, please...it this a beauty contest or a presidential election?
Joanne at 8:29PM on Apr 21st 2007
96. In the New York City area, spending $400 for one's hair is not unusual, even among the minority working class. Braiding, etc., can cost $300 a pop, hair extensions, which women in all ethnic groups have done, costs as much as well. These are NOT the important issues. We all know what the important issues are. All of the candidates are wealthy; it's ridiculous to be concerned with what they spend on their grooming and clothes. Let's find out what plans they have for our country instead. This haircut obsession is an Anna Nicole moment.
rberk1382 at 8:19PM on Apr 21st 2007
97. I was an avid contributor the John Edwards' campaigns since I first saw him speak. I have no idea how much I sent to him, but the amounts were modest compared to what the "big boys" could give. When I read about the $400 haircuts being paid out of campaign funds, I sent the following email to the Edwards apparatus: I guess I must have paid for a couple of those fancy haircuts, but you can scratch me off of all of your many lists. I sacrificed to send money to John Edwards because I know that it costs a lot of money to get elected to the presidency and John Edwards seemed to represent my views about the country. But I cut my own hair and it costs no one anything. I can't continue to sacrifice and do without so that John Edwards can look pretty. Major E.
Major E. Magwood at 8:28PM on Apr 21st 2007
98. ok! Thank you all for deciding how much money I should make as a stylist! For people in my profession, you realize that we can't 'make it' in this business if we're not well-trained and talented. Most of us are absolute artists. If we go to the trouble and push ourselves to the challenges of mastering our field, why should'nt we be able to reap the rewards, ala making a great living. Why should'nt 'star' hairdressers live as well as thier nieghbors who may be lawyers and dentists? And I don't see you haggling with other professionals about thier pricing like you do us. Who do you think you are to tell me that if I'm so booked up that no one can get in for months that it isn't time for me to raise my prices so that some clients fall away and make room for clients who will pay the price to be in my chair? People who have thier priorities with thier appearance are largely in fields where thier appearance is vital to thier success. People who don't care about thier appearance generally are the less attractive and less ambitious therefor they belong at the barber shop. And a haircut IS a campaign expense. It should be covered by the campaign. He however re-imbursed them for his haircut because of ignor'imus' comments.
rocky at 4:10PM on Apr 22nd 2007
99. John Edwards is, in all probability a nice guy. But, he has lost contact with reality. He, like most of the politicians running for President, has lived on public funds and perks for so long he cann ot understand the existance of the average taxpayer.
If Mr. Edwards desires a $400 haircut he should realize the payment for this shouild come from his own pocket and not from those contributing to his campaign.
Bill at 5:46PM on Apr 22nd 2007
100. So Much for memory loss. I remember when no one complained about Nancy Regan flying her hairdresser from NYC to DC in AF II each month and back at the then cost (in 1977 dollars) of $10,000.00 Now, mustiply THAT by 96 and tell me you still give a damn about 2 freaking $400 haircuts!!!!! His haircuts don't hold a candle to that kind of extrava-
gance. So in the words of the immortal bard....Bite Me!
Greg Gill at 8:25PM on Apr 22nd 2007
101. Now you need to get your facts straight. First, the haircut was not $400, it was $250. My information is only one haircut. Second, that cosmetologist was most likely disobeying the law in Iowa if the haircut took place anywhere other than a licensed salon. That was the law when I was licensed as a cosmetologist in Iowa. It may have changed, but I seriously doubt that. Mr. Edwards, I am no longer licensed, but I would give you a very good haircut or trim, to your specifications, at no charge. Very good, and no hanky-panky. Also I believe haircuts are a regularly occuring personal need, and should be paid from personal expenses, not contributions.
Hazel R Salyers at 6:49PM on Apr 25th 2007
102. $400.00 for a hair cut is an inacurate assesment of what Edwards did. We live in a 10 second sound bite world where the majority of people don't stick around for trivial things like substance (something Edwards has tons of)but apearance. It is not unresonable for the number three candidate to want to look his best on the first televised debate.As the majority of Americans did not bother to watch the debate but will only see the photos of the candidates or the sound bites on the news it is not only reasonable to want to look your best but a necessity. Photo op's and apearance have been critical componants of Presidential campaigns since The Nixon Kennedy debate . Grooming is a ligitamate campaign expence. I like John Edwards because of his Trade policies and understanding of the importance of the middle class in America. But if the votes of those who say he looks good and he's a Family Guy will get him elected, leave a $50.00 tip on me.
Mark Notarian at 10:03AM on Apr 27th 2007
103. If you come to Houston, TX, there are many barbershops that charge only $2.99.
Aditya Mishra at 11:25AM on May 4th 2007
104. Edwards can pay anything he wants, but he should can the semi-mullet neck and trim the pompadore---it looks like the rev Al's old do.
waquoit at 10:28PM on Jun 6th 2007
105. Any man paying over 20 dollars for a hair cut. Has got to be stealing the money from some place. Because if the money was really his own hard earned money. He would spend about the same as everyone else. 9 to 13 dollars on the average. Key word in this statement is "" Earned "". I'm sick of the Power hungery individauls saying they are working hard for the good of the general population! If you rob a bank of its money. Then return the money before being Caught by the police. It's still a Bank robbery and its still a crime! Lock em all up and toss the keys! Not in the club house in Key west!The real big house with steel bars and real razor wire.
Mr. C. L. Fite at 10:34AM on May 13th 2007